NEW CASTLE Drug force still seeks 5

Police are still investigating drug activity, and more arrests are expected soon.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Five people are still being sought by the Lawrence County District Attorney's Drug Task Force after Wednesday's early-morning drug raid.
District Attorney Matthew Mangino said two are expected to surrender later today and police are still searching for the others.
Seventeen warrants were issued for people accused of possession, sale and delivery of crack cocaine, marijuana and the prescription painkiller oxycodone.
Eight people were immediately arrested by the task force and three others were found later in the day.
The arrests were part of an 11-month investigation by the drug task force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office and the narcotics bureau of the New Castle Police Department.
"This is part of an ongoing investigation. This isn't the end of it," Mangino said.
More arrests expected: The district attorney said other arrests will be made soon.
Mangino said the task force generally makes a number of arrests at once so undercover operations are not jeopardized.
"You don't want to arrest someone right after a sale. They commonly make multiple purchases in order to keep the identity of undercover agents secret and then make a large arrest," he said.
Those arrested Wednesday were arraigned by District Justices Melissa Amodie in New Castle and J.V. Lamb in North Beaver Township.
Bail ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 per count. Eight were still in Lawrence County Jail this morning, one person had posted bond and three others were released without monetary bond.
Those arrested since Wednesday's initial arrests are:
UMichael Nixon, 36, of 21 S. Greenwood Ave., two counts of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine.
UPatricia Crosby, 44, of 922 Carson St., possession of marijuana.
UStacey Barkley, no age available, possession of drug paraphernalia.